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Hepatitis C Virus Transmission in Hemodialysis Units Importance of Infection Control Practices and Aseptic Technique

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Nicola D. Thompson ,
Ryan T. Novak ,
Deblina Datta ,
Susanne Cotter ,
Matthew J. Arduino ,
Priti R. Patel ,
Ian T. Williams  and
Stephanie R. Bialek
Nicola D. Thompson*
Affiliation:
Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Ryan T. Novak
Affiliation:
Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Deblina Datta
Affiliation:
Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Susanne Cotter
Affiliation:
Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Matthew J. Arduino
Affiliation:
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Priti R. Patel
Affiliation:
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Ian T. Williams
Affiliation:
Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Stephanie R. Bialek
Affiliation:
Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
*
1600 Clifton Road, NE, Mail Stop G-37, Atlanta, GA 30333 ([email protected])
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Abstract

We investigated 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection outbreaks at hemodialysis units to identify practices associated with transmission. Apparent failures to follow recommended infection control precautions resulted in patient-to-patient HCV transmission, through cross-contamination of the environment or intravenous medication vials. Fastidious attention to aseptic technique and infection control precautions are essential to prevent HCV transmission.

Type
Concise Communication
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 30 , Issue 9 , September 2009 , pp. 900 - 903
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2009

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